Teaching unions oppose faster graduate route into classrooms

John Swinney, the education secretary, rejected suggestions that teaching standards were being dilutedTimes Newspapers Ltd

Unions have warned against taking shortcuts to boost teacher numbers after new plans were unveiled to fast-track graduates into classrooms.

The Scottish government has set out proposals that would allow some new teachers to become fully qualified within 12 months, rather than two years, by allowing them to combine theoretical and practical aspects of their studies.

At present, graduates in subjects other than teaching who want to enter the profession must spend a further year at university before completing a year-long induction in classrooms. Under new plans, graduates in areas including science, engineering and maths would obtain their professional registration within one year, by completing their practical induction year alongside an academic qualification.

The measure was among a range of government-backed proposals, which will be…